Q: A recent article about the harmful ingredients in antibacterial soap states that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found the chemicals in the urine of three-fourths of Americans. How was the CDC able to collect and analyze hundreds of million of urine samples from the American population?
— Bob Sullivan, Canton
A: CDC scientists tested the urine of 2,517 people ages 6 and older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2003-2004, according to the CDC's fact sheet on triclosan, a chemical with antibacterial properties. "Triclosan was detected in the urine of nearly 75 (percent) of the people tested," according to the CDC. The Food and Drug Administration is requiring soap manufacturers to determine if triclosan (liquid soaps) and triclocarban (bar soaps) are safe. Studies in animals have shown that the chemicals "can disrupt the normal development of the reproductive system and metabolism," The New York Times reported.
Q: A map of Antarctica shows interesting mountain range names, such as the Executive Committee Range and the Shackleton Range. Can you explain the history of this?
— Beverly Harris, Decatur
A: The United States Antarctic Service expedition discovered the Executive Committee Range in 1940 and named it after the Antarctic Service Executive Committee. Except for Mount Sidley, the expedition named individual mountains in the range after members of the committee. The Shackleton Range was named for Sir Ernest Shackleton, who led three expeditions to the Antarctic in the early 20th century.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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